Bubble Generator Switching Flow for Washer Water Circulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional washing machines lack an efficient mechanism for circulating water, which can lead to suboptimal washing performance and require additional components like pumps for water circulation.
Innovation Solution
A bubble generating device that selectively performs a bubble generating process by mixing water and air or a water circulating process, eliminating the need for a separate pump by using a switching device and driving mechanism to direct water flow within the device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a separate pump is added to circulate water in the washing machine, then water circulation function is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bubble generating device is designed to perform multiple functions: it can generate bubbles for washing enhancement and also circulate water within the washing machine. By integrating the water circulation function into the existing bubble generating device through a switching passage and switching device, the patent eliminates the need for a separate pump, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining water circulation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the water circulation function with the bubble generating device by providing a switching passage that can direct water flow to different destinations. The switching device mounted in the switching passage enables the bubble generating device to alternatively perform bubble generation or water circulation, merging two functions into one integrated system
2Adaptability or versatility
If a switching device is added to enable selective bubble generation or water circulation, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The switching device is designed to be rotatable, allowing dynamic switching between different operational modes (bubble generation or water circulation). The rotatable switching device can change its orientation to direct water flow to different passages, providing adaptability while using a relatively simple mechanical structure
Solution Approach 2:
The switching device enables a single bubble generating device to perform multiple functions by selectively directing water flow. Through the switching passage and rotatable switching device, the system can alternatively generate bubbles or circulate water, improving versatility without requiring separate dedicated systems for each function
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances washing machine efficiency by allowing for water circulation without the need for a dedicated pump, improving washing performance and reducing complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a switching device mounted in the switching passage to selectively direct water to the water tub or the first connecting pipe
Implementation Method 2
The bubble generating device performs a function of mixing water and air to generate bubbles
Implementation Method 3
a pump to suck water from the water tub and supply the water into the bubble generating device
Data Source
AI summary
A bubble generating device and a washing machine equipped with the bubble generating device. The washing machine includes a water tub into which water is introduced, a bubble generating device to generate bubbles and supply the bubbles into the water tub, a pump to suck water from the water tub and supply the water into the bubble generating device, and a connecting pipe having an end connected to the bubble generating device and the other end connected to the water tub. The other end of the connecting pipe is located above a water level in the water tub. The bubble generating device selectively performs a bubble generating process in which bubbles are generated and supplied into the water tub, or a water circulating process in which water from the water tub circulates through the connecting pipe and flows back to the water tub.